Several in fancy dress were at the most successful dance held on Saturday evening last in the new Victory Hall, Cosgrove, under the auspices of Cosgrove branch of the British Legion. The effort was on behalf of the Benevolent Fund of the Branch. The Sentimentalist Band played music for old time and modern dances, and an enjoyable programme was carried through.

The committee responsible for the arrangements were Messrs. W Castle, R. Longman, S. Welch, A C Noble, J Pollard, A T Noble, and E R Brown, who had the very helpful assistance of Mr H. Atkinson, a Legion member.

The branch officials express their sincere thanks to all who assisted in the success of the effort, those kind people who gave prizes, and the ladies who provided such a fine selection of refreshments, and length who in any way gave their help and support.

Wolverton Express 17th March 1950

Cosgrove Victory Hall Dinner 

“Foster Friendship and Goodwill” - Major Hesketh

Committee “Had Really Done Things” - Mr. Macwhirter

Cosgrove Victory Hall Committee celebrated the first year of the erection of its spacious building with a dinner and smoking concert, and a distinguished company supported the function. Mr. G S Macwhirter, who did great things for the provision of the Hall, is retiring from the responsible post of Secretary of the Northamptonshire Rural Community Council, and he was heartily thanked for his good offices. Major Fermor-Hesketh, president, spoke of the advantage of such a hall and hoped the committee would go on doing their best to foster friendship and goodwill.

Supporting the president were Mrs Fermor Hesketh, Mr. F Hillyer, chairman of committee, Mr. and Mrs. R Whiting, Colonel and Mrs. P Y Atkinson, Mr. and Mrs. M E Jelley, Mr. and Mrs. W Crowder, the Rev. J S Benson (trustees), Mr. and Mrs. G S Macwhirter, and Mr. J Hebson, hon. Secretary. The toast of “The President” was given by Col. Atkinson, who said they were fortunate in having such a good friend in the village. Major Hesketh acknowledged with the remarks stated above.

The Secretary was called upon to give a resume of the social life of the village, and Mr. Hebson said it was 14 years ago that he had his first experience of Cosgrove and he wished to thank Mr. Malcolm Jelley for the opportunity he then gave him. Since that time he had had several red letter days which culminated with the opening of the village hall last year.

“I have heard some people say”, said Mr. Hebson,” We’ve got the village hall, why bother to raise more funds?” Well in the first place we have to find at least £3 a week to meet the upkeep, secondly, to give satisfaction to all organisations, we require another building. I should like to see - and I hope the committee are of the same mind - a building where young people can learn and play billiards and games, and a reading room for the older folk.”

Giving an indication of the full use that is being made of the hall, the Secretary said that at present the committee was restricted to one Tuesday a month for a meeting. The British Legion, Women’s Institute and Pig Club, were forced to hold their committee meetings elsewhere, and they could not supply dates for a show required by the talented producer, Mr. L Feil. Since the opening, eight months ago, the hall had become an essential part of Cosgrove, said Mr. Hebson. It had fostered friendship, not only in the village but in the adjacent villages of Castlethorpe, Hanslope, and Yardley Gobion, whose organisations had availed themselves of the use of the hall.

“Trying to satisfy the needs and wishes of the village is a big task and there have been some misunderstandings on several occasions as to dates, otherwise everything has run smoothly,” said Mr. Hebson, who added thanks to the committee for their good work and cooperation.

Cosgrove “Indeed Fortunate” - Mr. Macwhirter

Referring to the loss Cosgrove Victory Hall committee would sustain by the retirement of Mr. Macwhirter, Secretary said they would be losing a very good friend. He had helped them considerably and must have a soft spot for Cosgrove, because his advice and help during the early days was valuable and appreciated by them all. He was sure they all wished him, his wife, and children every happiness in the future, and they hoped he would not forget where Cosgrove was on the map. In submitting the toast of “The Victory Club and Hall”, the Secretary hoped it would be the means of making many new friends and keeping the old.

In reply, Mr. Macwhirter said that function was his last public engagement as Secretary of the organisation. Cosgrove, he said, was indeed fortunate in having the first hall in Northamptonshire under the Rural Council Community Scheme, and only one more hall was to be erected in the County before the scheme was closed by the Government. Cosgrove had a committee which had really done things; if every village had been so energetic, then his task would have been easier. He would carry with him many happy memories of Cosgrove and hoped to visit them again. He was more than pleased in the manner they were sharing their good fortune with other villages, and he had heard good reports of the advice they had given to other similar committees. The most gratifying thing was that the hall was fulfilling a need for the social life of their village and others.

Thanks to the visitors were voiced by Mr. W Crowder and Mrs. M E Jelley. An excellent concert programme was contributed to by Mr. Fred Dunleavy (baritone), Mr. Tommy Claridge, and party.

Wolverton Express 24th March 1950

Cosgrove Arrange “Over Seventies” Party

Cosgrove Women’s Institute met on 7 March in the Village Hall, with Mrs. W. Brockway presiding. The monthly letter was read, and after business arising had been dealt with, the Over Seventies party was discussed, and members with spare points were asked to let either Mrs. Brockway or Mrs Jelley have them, so they could be lodged in the same manner as last year. The party was arranged for 18 April.

Miss Makepeace was asked to give a talk on the County Library, of which she is librarian, and she gave an interesting account on how the Library is run. She was thanked by Mrs. Proudfoot. Miss Makepeace then judged the competition for not less than four lines of original verses on Cosgrove WI. There were six entries, and each were awarded an equal number of points.

A beetle drive, run by Mrs. F W Castle, for the social half hour, at the following winners: Miss C. Tompkins and Mrs. N Crowder. Tea hostesses were Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Johnson, and Miss Williams.

Wolverton Express 7th April 1950

Concert Party Visits Cosgrove

A successful concert was given in the Victory Hall, Cosgrove, on 28 March, arranged by the Women’s Institute in aid of the maintenance fund of the Northamptonshire Blind. The programme was presented by the Follies Concert Party and a well filled Hall showed that Cosgrove people were willing to help the cause and also enjoy themselves. The proceeds, amounting to £21, were handed to Mr. C Smith, produce and compere of the show. Mr. Jackson, Secretary of the Northants Blind, was unable to be present owing to illness. Mrs. Brockway, WI president, thanked the Follies for the entertaining evening they had provided.

Wolverton Express 19th May 1950

Coming of Age Party of Miss Cynthia Tompkins, Cosgrove

A party to celebrate the coming of age of their daughter, Cynthia, was given by Mr. and Mrs. A. Tompkins, of 10 Bridge Road, Cosgrove, in the Victory Hall, on 6 May. A company numbering 70 was welcomed by Mr. Tompkins, and among the guests were Colonel and Mrs. Hedley, Grafton Regis, Major and Mrs. Salter, Wicken, Mr. and Mrs. J. Burnham, Stony Stratford, Mr. and Mrs. H F Keller, Wolverton, Mr. and Mrs. A H. Jones, New Bradwell, and Mr. A Smith. Mrs. Tompkins is employed by “Donnies” Mr. and Mrs. Burnham, confectioners, and in charge of their Wolverton branch shop.

An excellent spread was served. Mr. Tomkins was the recipient of nearly 40 presents, which included a handbag from Captain P Y and Mrs Atkinson, of Cosgrove Priory, her former employers, a gold wristlet watch from her parents, and a pink nylon mesh nightdress from Mr. and Mrs. Burnham. The remainder of the evening was spent in dancing and games organized by Mr H. Jones and Mr J. Burnham. Music was rendered by Ted Warren and his Alfresco Band.

Northampton Mercury - Friday 04 August 1950

Victory Club & Hall, Cosgrove.

A GRAND DARTS TOURNAMENT

To be held in the above Hall on

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 1950,

Commencing 6.30 a.m.

FERMOR HESKETH CUP and 15 Guineas in Prizes.

Cup be presented by Major The Hon. John Fermor-Hesketh. Team of Four Players. Entrance Fee 10s. per Team. Closing Date Wednesday, August 9. Send Entries to J Hebson, 7, Yardley-road. Cosgrove. Wolverton, Bucks Rules sent on request.

Wolverton Express 18th August 1950

Galleon Darts Team Win Hesketh Cup at Cosgrove Tournament

The Galleon Inn darts team, Old Wolverton won the Hesketh silver trophy at the first Darts tournament to be organised at Cosgrove by the Hall committee. Nearly 100 spectators witnessed keen and sportingly contested games taken part in by 31 teams that hailed from Cosgrove, Stony Stratford, Silverstone, New Bradwell, Deanshanger, Potterspury, Yardley Gobion, Castlethorpe, Leckhamstead, Old Wolverton, and Stowmarket, near Ipswich! The team from the last named place were not recompensed for their long journey by losing in the first round.

In the early rounds the games were for a straight 701 score, with semifinals the best of three 701 games, and the final 1001 best of three.

The Galleon reached the final by defeating the Four Aces, a Castlethorpe Carrington Arms team, by two straight legs, while their final opponents, Silverstone B defeated their own A team. The old Wolverton team carried off the cup and 10 guineas by accounting for Silverstone by two legs to nil. Losing finalists received a cash prize of four guineas. The winning team, comprised Messrs. Vic Old, captain, Joe Brightman, Les Markham, and Frank Cross.

A prize of one guinea was offered to the highest individual score in one game and two players tied, and in the play-off Mr. W Savage, “Case is Altered”, Stony Stratford, scoring 172, beat Mr. B Bruce of Silverstone A.

Major the Hon. John Fermor-Hesketh and his wife witnessed some of the games, and the cup donor and made the presentations after being introduced and thanked by Mr. Jones, hon treasurer. Major Hesketh thanked all competitors and spectators for their contribution in making the event a success and hoped more teams would enter next year. He thanked the officials for their excellent organisation.

Mr. Jack Hebson, Hon Secretary, expressed thanks to all concerned, especially Major and Mrs. Hesketh for their generosity, which had enabled Cosgrove to make many more friends.

Wolverton Express 22nd December 1950

Cosgrove United Sunday School - Scholars Organize Open and Conduct Bazaar

Cosgrove has a united Sunday School of scholars from the Parish Church and Mission Hall which is attached to Stony Stratford Baptist church. On Tuesday, 12 December, the scholars organised the school’s first sale of work and the helpful sum of £18 was raised for a fund for providing badly needed new hymn books, also for Christmas prizes and party expenses.

Organisers were Miss Mary Stewart and Mr. John Wootton, while Miss Pauline Pollard, the eldest girl, performed the opening ceremony, with Mr. Wootton as the chairman. There were a number of stalls for flowers, Christmas greenery, rummage, miscellaneous, fancy goods, and books, and those in charge were: Pauline Pollard, Tony Pollard, Brenda Goodridge, Pat Bushell, Rodney Hickford, Keith Stubbs, Trevor and Philip Tustain, and June Smith.

A film programme followed, by Mr. Harold Wright of Mr. Fegan’s Home at Stony Stratford and this was most interesting, comprising scenes from the Jubilee and Coronation, the Royal Wedding and concluding with Mickey Mouse strips.

Wolverton Express 29th December 1950

Whist Drive and Dance at Cosgrove

A fur and feather whist drive in the Victory Hall, Cosgrove on Thursday, 21 December, was taken part in by 120 persons, and after expenses were paid the Hall committee raised £14. The top school for both lady and gent carried with it a goose, and Mrs. Stebbings, Hanslope and Mr S. Welch, Castlethorpe were the winners. Mr. P Swain was the MC assisted by Mr. and Mrs. A Loughrey and others. Mrs. J. Johnson was the organiser. On Saturday a successful and enjoyable old time dance was held in the Victory Hall by the British Legion. The Lovesey Orchestra provided the music.

In 1951 Olive and Jack Johnson threw a party, mainly for children, in the Victory Hall.

Cosgrove Coronation Celebration 1953

Half the village were invited to the Priory for tea and half went to the Village Hall. So there are two group photos. The two halves came together at night. Jack Hebson was in charge of the fireworks but they all went off together  it was a great display but short.

There was a greasy pole competition across the canal. Trevor Tustain won £1 and Phil Tustain won 10s.

The sports and the bonfire were postponed at Cosgrove,
but the 400 residents had two sittings for their tea in the Victory Hall.

Cosgrove Have Celebrations Still to Come

Cosgrove decided to postpone their sports programme. bon­fire. and fireworks until Saturday.

A service in the Parish Church, conducted by the Rector (the Rev. J. S. Benson), commenced the day. Judges of the best decorated houses and fancy dress were Mr. and Mrs. W. Betts. Mr. and Mrs. A. Rickaby, Mr. and Mrs. C. Dunkley, and Mr. F. W. Hurry.

About 300 parishioners had tea in the Victory Hall in two sittings, and children under 11 were entertained at The Priory by Capt. and Mrs. P. Y. Atkinson, and those 11 and over by Mr. and Mrs. W. Betts, at the Lodge.

Later there was square dancing in the hall, with Mrs. W. Betts as leader, and a dance and social.

Mr. F. Hillier was chairman of the village committee, with Mr. J. Hebson as secretary and Mr. A. Rickaby treasurer. About £190 had been raised by collections, etc.

Parties were held all over the village, as here at the New Buildings and in Suet Alley, for the Coronation 1953.

A Coronation Play was put on in the Rectory garden. Each child holds a letter spelling out "God Save the Queen."

Northampton Mercury - Friday 08 October 1954

MISSIONARY FESTIVAL

A Deanery Missionary Festival was held at Cosgrove. Tea was provided in the Victory Hall; and a film show, Flower of Tibet was given. The preacher was the Right Rev. F Houghton, a former Bishop in West China.

Cosgrove School Fete 1955

School Fete and Rose Queen crowning. All the children dressed as stall holders in appropriate fancy dress.

Cosgrove school’s first fete, held on Saturday last, was a great success. There was a crowning ceremony of their Rose Queen, Gillian Markham, who had as attendance Carol Praeter, Sylvia Meakins, Julia Longman, Susan Tustain, with trained bearers Wendy Markham and Janet Bailey. The fete was opened by Miss Atkinson of Paulerspury and formerly of Cosgrove Priory. A bouquet was handed to her by Roger Kightley.

Stalls and sideshows were manned by parents and friends as follows: refreshments were supervised by Mrs. Johnson, helpers Mrs. Longman, Mrs. Bushell, Mr. Brockway; sweets Mrs. Markham, Mrs. Pollard; grocery, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Kightley; fruit and vegetables, Mrs. Beasley and Mrs. Freestone; miscellaneous, Mrs. Ratledge and Mrs. Mapley; needlework and knitting, Mrs. Chown Sr. and Mrs. Chown Jr.; Books, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Mead; spinning Jenny, Mrs. Whittaker; Bran tub, Mrs. Fitzgibbon; hidden treasure, Mrs. W Castle; skittles, Mr. Hefford; darts, Mr. Hickford; sport for adults supervised by Mr. Tustain, helpers Mr. Longman and Mr. Tack; photography by Mr. V Lovesey. The doll given by Mrs. Atkinson and named Mabel was won by Mrs. F. Williams. The cricket bat given by and cricketers name chosen by Mrs. A Rickaby was won by Mr. Crowder who kindly gave it back to the school for the boys to use. A parcel containing a coconut and made up by Mrs. N Horton and a teacher at the school was won by Mrs. A. Wootton of New Bradwell. Wines presented by Major Fermor-Hesketh, were won by Mr. S Bushell, R Pollard, Mrs. Tack and Mr D. Tompkins. A cake made and presented by Mrs. Barton and Mrs. Stubbs was won by Mrs. A Castle of Leighton Buzzard, weight 5lb 12oz. The hidden treasure, prize a chicken given by Mrs. Mapley, was won by Mrs. C Hill. Mister A. Tompkins was gatekeeper and Mrs. M Castle collected with the doll. Mrs. Kightley collected with the bat.

The staff of Cosgrove School wish to extend grateful thanks to all kind helpers and to all who sent gifts to the school. The amount taken was £62 9s.

Wolverton Express 6th January 1956

Cosgrove Legion Fete Raised £100

OPENED BY COMMANDER D. LAWSON

COSGROVE Hall grounds were an ideal venue for the fete last Saturday organised by the village branch of the British Legion. The residents gave their full support with many visitors enjoying the amenities of the well-appointed grounds. There were numerous attractions and the day proved most enjoyable and financially successful, the sum of £100 being raised.

Commander D. Lawson of Passenham Manor was introduced by an American visitor to Cosgrove Hall. and also present were the Hon. Mrs D. Lawson, the Hon Major John Fermor Hesketh, Capt P. Y. Atkinson (Branch President), and vice-presidents Capt. F G. Purser and Major-General W. A Scott. CB. CBE. Commander Lawson in declaring the fete open said one felt very proud to be in the British Legion because it existed to foster fellowship and comradeship. Those who had been in battle knew just what those works meant, but most of them could not define the words other than to say that it drew people together. The Legion was doing a great work and all members of the community recognised that it was a great service to ex-Service men and their dependants.

Many Crack Shots

Many Crack shots competed for the cash prize of £7 7s in the clay pigeon contest and this eventually went to game-keeper Mr. C J. Spademan of Wicken. In charge were Mr. A Tompkins and Mr. D. Tompkins.

There were many competitors for the beauty contest for which a Silver cup valued at £25 became the proud possession of 15 year old Margaret Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs Tom Smith of 11 Warren Road, Yardley Gobion. Mrs Steel was reputed to have the best shapely ankles for which the prize was a pair of nylons. Other prize-winners were: skittles Mr. D. Cannings (pin of beer): darts. Mr. R Hickford (bottle of port); stepping the chain, Mr. J. Martin (10s): treasure hunt, Mrs D. Hillyer (£1); bowling for pig (given by Mr. Maycock), winner Miss B Cummings Cosgrove: ladder contest. Mrs Hillyer (basket of fruit).

Mr W. Coles and Mr. P. Lyman (bowling for pig); Miss J Hefford (pony rides). A competition for giving the name to a doll was run by Mrs Horton on behalf of the Cosgrove Parent-Teachers' Association. A licensed bar was run by Mr. Den Horne of the Watts Inn, Hanslope, who was assisted by Mr. H Smith, Mr. Jones and Mr. J. Pollard. Music during the proceedings was arranged by Mr. J Boss of Hanslope Park. Gate stewards were Mr. F. W. Castle and Mr. O. Smith. The secretarial duties were ably discharged by Mr. E R Brown, with Mr. P. Long (chairman), Mr P. Lyman (vice-chairman), Mr. J. Pollard (treasurer) and Mr. R. Longman (Welfare Officer), assisted by the committee previously named, also Mr. A. T. Noble. Thanks of the committee are extended to all who generously supported the effort, the result of which will enable the Legion work to be carried silently in the village.

Wolverton Express Spring 1956

Spring Fayre at Cosgrove for Hall Funds

Cosgrove resident rallied round the trustees and officers of the Victory Hall in an effort to raise funds to provide new curtains and the cost of decorating the hall when a Spring Fayre was held last Saturday. The helpful sum of £65 was raised.

Mrs P. Y. Atkinson of the Priory introduced and welcomed Lady Hesketh, who performed the opening ceremony. Lady Hesketh said as it was a good thing for a village to possess a nice hall like that at Cosgrove where the residents could meet for sociaI occasions. She was sure many villages would like to have such a hall. A bouquet was handed to Lady Hesketh by Wendy Markham and thanks were voiced by Mr. J. Hebson (Hall chairman)

A whist drive was held in the evening. Mrs. J. Johnson took a large share in organising the effort. The Hall officers are Mr. J. Hebson (chairman). Mr. J. Hefford (secretary) and Mr Rickaby (treasurer).

Wolverton Express July 1956

Many Attractions At Cosgrove Fete

The large crowd at Cosgrove Conservative Association fete last Saturday, held in the well-appointed Cosgrove Hall grounds, the home of Major the Hon. John Fermor Hesketh and Mrs. Hesketh, had plenty in which to entertain themselves. Lady Markham, wife of the North Bucks Member, opened the proceedings, and during the afternoon Sir Reginald Manningham Buller, Member for South Northants, gave an address.

Lady Markham said that in North Bucks they thought they had a grimmer fight than in South Northants, and they were thankful for all the help they could get. She brought the best wishes of her husband and members of the Bucking-ham Conservative Association. She continued, "Your Conservative Government has done very well in the time they have been in, in keeping up your standard of living and in •helping in every way they can. But they have a very grim task before them, as we go forward into this nuclear age with nuclear problems".

The speaker went on to thank other villages and towns who were helping with the fete. A bouquet was handed to Lady Markham by Julia Elder. Lady Markham had been welcomed by Mrs. Fermor Hesketh, who said her husband sent his good wishes from America. There were numerous side-shows, and entertainment during the afternoon included clay pigeon shooting bowling for a pig walking the greasy pole, and a comic dog show.

Farmers and gun enthusiasts came from a wide area to compete for the cash prizes for clay pigeon shooting. There was a continual stream of contestants and it was after 8 p.m. when the competition closed. Winner of the £10 prize was Mr. C. J. Spademan of Wood-newton, near Peterborough, a brother of Mr. S. J. Spademan, keeper at Wicken. Mr. Miles was the runner-up. The shoot was organized by Capt. P. Y. Atkinson and Col. E. F Maltby, C.B.E., with Mr. Jack Glenfield, the trapper, and the Misses Atkinson (scorers). Winner of bowling for a pig was Mr. Preston; darts winner for a pin of ale was Mr. Sid Ratledge; and table skittles (10s.), Mr. J. Skevington. At the close Capt. Guy Watson (Divisional Agent) thanked helpers and supporters for making the fete most successful. The organization was fortunate in having the energetic services of Mr. C. F. Dunkley, who discharged the secretarial duties most efficiently.

Wolverton Express 20th September 1957

ENTHUSIASM FOR ROCK 'N' ROLL

160 Attend Dance at Cosgrove

The Cosgrove Parent-Teacher Association began their winter season entertainment with the first of a monthly series of Rock Roll dances on Friday last. Close on 160 danced from 8 pm. until 1 am. to the music of Terry Carrot and his Rockets. As the attendance was so great, and the dancers so obviously enjoying themselves, the committee made a snap decision to extend the time until 1 a.m.

Rock `n Roll enthusiasts were in attendance from the surrounding district, and among the dancers were girls who had cycled from as far afield as Tingewick, Finmere, Akeley and Leckhampstead, evidence indeed of the growing popularity of this modern method of dancing.

The committee, comprising Mesdames J. Hefford, G. Beesley, D. Chown, E. Lambert, N. Castle, N. Horton, Messrs. A. Course, L. Reynolds, J. Hefford, N. Castle, under the chairman-ship of Messrs. A. Course, put in much work in the organisation and sale of refreshments, and thanked everyone who attended and helped to make this first effort such a success.

Wolverton Express 4th December 1959

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR AT COSGROVE

The annual Christmas Bazaar of Cosgrove Church was held in the Victory Hall last Friday evening and raised £80 for Church funds. Mrs C R Whiting of Old Wolverton opened the bazaar and was thanked by Capt P Y Atkinson. Miss Diane Stewart presented flowers to Mrs Whiting, who was introduced by Mr P Lambert, people’s warden.